Method for forming seams



March 7, 1939. Mv P. LINK METHOD FOR FORMING SEAMS Fil ed Dec. 2, 1935 2 et -$h6t l .Zbrenfar Mwznnzmv Pin/1r March 7, 1939. R 2,150,002

METHOD FOR FORMING SEAMS Filed Dec. 2, 1935 2 eets-Sheet 2 :6 @WWW Patented Mar. 7, 1939 UNITED STATES FATENT OFFICE 3 Claims.

This invention relates to a method for forming seams and relates more particularly to a method for forming seams in the manufacture of containers and the like. A general object of this invention is to provide a rapid efficient and commercially practical method for making seams in the manufacture of containers and the like.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method for producing seams that provides for the proper accurate positioning of the parts or work before and during the successive seaming operations.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method for forming seams between paper, fiber,

cardboard stock and similar materials employed in the manufacture of paper containers that dependably positions and properly relates the parts of the assembly to be seamed without distortion of the same, thereby assuring the perfect seaming of the parts.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method that effects the positioning and definite locating of the container end and the metal seam ring with respect to one another and with respect to the container body preliminary to and during the first seaming operation without interfering with the first seaming operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a rapid eflicient method for seaming parts of a container or the like, that provides for the initial seaming operation to lightly or removably secure the container end to the container body and for a final seaming operation to finally secure the end of the container body with the same anvil 5 head and without shifting the anvil head or the container.

Another object of this invention is to provide seaming method of the character mentioned that effects or provides for a secure uniform and fiuidtight seam between the containerbody and the container end.

The various objects and features of my inven tion will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred man- 45 nor of carrying out the method of my invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a central vertical detailed sectional view of a typical form of mechanism of the pres- 50 out invention showing container in broken lines in position for the first or initial seaming operation. Fig. 2 is a bottom elevation of the mechanism being a view taken substantially as indicated by line 22 on Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan 55 elevation of a container end. Fig. 4 is a transverse detailed sectional view of the container end taken as indicated by line 4-4 on Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a plan elevation of a seam ring. Fig. 6 is a transverse detailed sectional View of the ring taken. as indicated by line 6-6 on Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view of the head showing the assembly of the container end and the seam ring in position thereon for the first seaming operation. Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing the first opera- 10 tion dies in their active positions. Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing the second operation dies performing the second seaming operation. Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary detailed sectional view of the container illustrating the parts 15 following the first seaming operation and Fig. 11 is a. view similar to Fig. 10 showing the seam following the second or final seaming operation.

The method of this invention may be employed in the connecting or seaming of various articles 20 and in the manufacture of various types of devices. Throughout the following detailed disclosure the invention will be described as employed in the manufacture of a container of the general character fully described and claimed in 25 my co-pending application entitled Container, Serial No. 48,846, filed November 8, 1935. It is to be understood that the invention'is not to be construed as limited or restricted to the specific details or application about to be described but 30 is to be taken as including any features or modifications that may fall within the scope of the claims.

It is believed that the method of this invention will be better understood following a description of the mechanism useful in performing the method. Accordingly, I will proceed with a detailed description of a form of mechanism for performing the method and will follow such description with a disclosure of the manner of carrying out the method in the operation of the mechanism.

The container which the typical form of mechanism illustrated in the drawings is adapted to handle comprises a container body H) which may be cylindrical and which may be formed of paper, cardboard stock, fiber or other materials. The head or end I l of the container to be attached to the container body In is a disc-like member of paper, cardboard stock, fiber or similar materials. The periphery of the end I I is flanged having an axial outwardly extending flange l2 and a radial flange l3 projecting outwardly from the outer end of the flange l2. As initially formed or as shaped for arrangement on the container body I8 the radial flange I3 is substantially parallel to the plane of the web or body of the end. In practice the end II may have annular corrugations or ridges I4. The container further includes a seam ring I5 of metal or the like. The ring I5 is substantially cylindrical and is adapted to bear 7 outwardly against the axial flange I2 of the container end I I. The ring I5 has a radial flange I8 to cover or overlie the radial flange I3 of the end I I. It is to be understood that the container end I I and the seam ring I5 are separate elements and are adapted to be assembled in the relation illustrated in Fig. .7 of the drawings for attachment to or connection with the container body I8.

The seaming mechanism illustrated in the drawings includes, generally, a frame or body, I1, a

head I 8, an abutment die or positioning die I9 shiftable on the head I8, initial or first seaming tools or dies 20 operable to initially roll or curl the flanges I3 and I6, and final or second operating seaming dies 2I operable to finally and securely roll the flanges I3 and I8 onto the container body III.

The frame or body I1 is provided to carry the dies 20 and 2I and may form a support or bearing for the head I8. The body II may be varied considerably in shape and construction without departing from the spirit of the invention. In the particular case illustrated in the drawings the body I1 is a horizontally disposed member or structure that is generally flat or plate-like. A substantially central bearing boss 23 projects from the upper side of the body I! for the purpose to be hereinafter described. 'A vertical opening 24 passes through the body I1 and the boss 23. In

' work may be stationarily mounted and that the seaming operations.

head I8 may be shiftable vertically to permit the positioning of the container in its operative position on the table for the seaming operation and to permit the removal of the container from the table following the seaming operation.

7 The head I8 forms a carrier for the assembly of the container end and the seam ring I5 and constitutes an inner die or anvil part-during the The head I8 is a substantially cylindrical member or block disposed at the under side of the body III. In practice the head I8 is in coaxial relation to the table 24 being supported by a vertical spindle 21 passing through the opening 24 of the body I I; The lower portion of the spindle. 21 may be threaded into an open-.

ing 28 in the head I8 to secure the head to the spindle. The invention. contemplates the rotating of the spindle 21 or the rotation of the dies 28 and 2I about the head I8 or both,eduring the seaming operations. Accordingly, the spindle 21 may 7 be considered as rotatable and as having a suitable driving or rotating means. .A suitable thrust plate and stop plate 29 is secured to the upper end of the head I8 andis adapted to bear upwardly against a boss 30 on'the under side of the body I 1.

The lower end or surface 3I of the head I8 is flat andhorizontal to receive the container endprojecting radial flange 32 on the head I8. The flange 32 is at the lower end portionof the head I 8 and is designed to fit within the ring I5 during the seaming operations to form an abutment or inner seaming tool part. The flange 32 has a cylindrical peripheral surface for cooperating with the interior of the seam ring I5 and has a fiat horizontal lower surface that may be co-extensive with the lower surface of the head I8 or that may be stepped downwardly from thel ower surface of the head, as illustrated in the drawings. The upper side 'or surface of the flange 32 is preferably flat and horizontal. In accordance with the invention the spindle 21 is tubular whereby the container end I I carrying the seam ring I5 may be subjected to the influence of a reduced pressure to be held in position against the lower pressure. The longitudinal opening 33 of the tubular spindle 21 may be maintained in communication with any suitable source of reduced pressure or partial vacuum. The spindle 2I-terminates above the lower end of the opening 28 whereby the lower portion of the opening forms a socket or recess 33 in which a reduced pressure exists to insure the proper retention of the conend 3| of the head I8 by the action of atmospheric 7 tainer end II on' the head I8 through the action of atmospheric pressure. Where the container end I I has ridges I4 these ridges bear upwardly against the lower surface 3| of the head I8 to seal therewith and maintain the proper reduced pressure in the recess 33.

The abutment and positioning die I9 is carried by the'head I8 to assist in po-sitioning'the assembly of the container end II and the ring I5 and to accuratelylocate and hold the se am ring I5 in place'for the first seaming operation. The die I9 is a tubular or sleeve-like part surrounding the head I8 above its flange 32. 'In ac- V cordance with the invention the die I9 is shiftable but non-rotatable on the head I8. A key or keys 35 connect the die I9 with the head I8 for axial movement thereon and prevent rotation of the die on the head. In accordance with the in-. vention the lower end of the die I9 slightly overhangs the flange 32 to have positioning and holding contact with the seam ring I5. The parts are related so that the overhanging part of the die ring I5 at or adjacent its line of joinder with the body of the ring. This contact of the lower overhanging part of the die .I9 with the ring I5 holds the ring against upward movement and against tilting so that the ring isproperly maintained in position for the first seaming operation. The die I9 remains in cooperation with theseam ring I5 during the first seaming operation and is then shifted upwardly to a position where it does not interfere with the second seaming operation.

The first operating seaming tools or dies 20 are provided to give the flanges I3 and I6 their initial or preliminary roll or curvature as shown in Figs. 8 and 10 of the drawings. There is preferably a pair of diametrically opposite dies 20 of like configuration. The dies 20 are substantially cylindrical elements rotatably carried by individual spindles 36. groove 31 in its periphery. The grooves 31 have downwardly and inwardly curved walls and are shaped to give the desired roll to the flanges I3 and I6. The outer surfaces of the dies 20 are tapered away from or tapered downwardly and inwardly from the grooves 31. Substantially cylindrical annular flanges or lips 38 are provided I9 cooperates with the radial flange I6 of' the' Each die 28 has an annular on the dies 20 to overhang the grooves 31. The peripheries of the lips 38 are adapted to have rolling cooperation with the peripheral surface of the positioning die l9 and the under sides of the lips 38 are substantially flat and horizontal to have engagement with the upper side of the ring flange IS. The under sides of the lips 38 merge with the walls of the grooves 31. The portions of the dies 29 above the lips 38 are preferably reduced to have ample clearance with the positioning die l9.

Means is provided for simultaneously shifting the first operation dies 2|! into and out of their operative or seaming positions. The means for shifting the dies 20 includes two levers 40 each supporting a die spindle 36. Posts or legs 4| pro- ,icct downwardly from the body IT and the levers 45 arepivotally supported by the legs 4| at 42. One lever 40 has an operating extension or operating part 43 extending outwardly from its point of pivotal connection with the leg 4|. The two levers 49 are interconnected for simultaneous operationv A link 44 has one end pivotally connected. with the operating part 43 and has its ether end pivotally connected with the other lever at a point between its ends. From an inspection of Fig. 2 of the drawings it will be apparent how swinging of the operating part 43 simultaneously moves the levers 40 to shift the dies 20 toward and away from the head l8. The operating part 43 may be manually operated or may be operated by a suitable driving or actuating mechanism.

The second seaming operation dies 2| are provided to give the partially rolled flanges I3 and it? their final curvature or roll to have gripping and sealing contact with the wall of the container bedy iii. The dies 2| are tubular elements rotataoiy supported on individual spindles 45. The dies 2| are generally cylindrical in their configuration and are alike. There is preferably a pair of diametrically opposite dies 2|. E'ach die 2| has an annular groove 45 in its periphery provided with a curved wall for giving the seam flanges their proper shape. Annular flanges or lips 4'! are provided on the dies 2| to overhang their grooves 46. peripheries and fiat horizontal lower surfaces. In accordance with the invention the lips'4'l are proportioned to overhang the upper end or bead of the rolled ring flange IE and to overlie to some extent the flange 32 of the head l8. The periphcries of the dies 2| may be bevelled downwardly and inwardly away from the groove 46.

Means is provided for simultaneously shifting the dies 2| into and out of their operative or seaming positions. The means for shifting the dies 28 includes levers 49 supporting the spindles i5. Projections or legs 50 are provided on the under side of the body H to pivotally carry the levers 49. One lever 49 has an operating part 55 extending outwardly beyond its point of pivotal support. The levers 49 are operatively connected for simultaneous pivoting. A link 52 has one end pivotally connected with the operating part of one lever 49 and has its opposite end pivotaily connected with the other lever 49 at a point between its ends. Oscillation or swinging of the operating part 5| of course moves the dies 2| toward and away from the head i8. The operating part 5| may be operated manually or mechanically by suitable operating means to shift the di s 25 between their active and inactive positions.

Due to the fact that the lips 41 of the dies 2| The lips 41 have cylindrical project completely over the curled or rolled ring flange I3 and partially overhang the flange 32 of the head 3., it is necessary to shift the posi tioning die I9 upwardly away from the flange 32 before the dies 2! come into their active positions. The invention provides means for automatically shifting the positioning die |9 out of its active position when the second operation dies 2| are shifted inwardly to act on the container seam. The means for shifting the die l9 on the head l8 may include a yoke 54 pivotally supported on the under side of the body 5! to have its arms 55 project at opposite sides of the head it and die l9. Pins 5'6 are provided on the arms 55 to cooperate with an annular groove 5'! in the die l9 whereby pivoting of the yoke 54 shifts the die axially on the head l8. One arm 55 of the yoke 54 has an extension in the form of a cam 51. The cam 51 projects laterally from the outer end of the arm 55 and is inclined upwardly and outwardly to extend over one of the levers 49. The cam 57 is in position for cooperation with the lever 45 and when the lever 49 is swung inwardly toward the head I8 it cooperates with the cam 55? to pivot the yoke 54 in a direction to shift the die i9 upwardly on the head l8. When the dies 2i are shifted outwardly to their normal or inactive positions the weight of the die i9 automatically moves the die IS to its normal active position where it rests on the head flange 32.

In the seaming operation it is essential, of course, that there be relative rotation between the head 8 and the dies 29 and 2|. The invention is not concerned with the means for effecting such relative rotation and any conventional or special means may be employed for this purpose. In practice the spindle 2'1" may be rotated, the body Ii may be rotated relative to the spindle or the body and spindle may be rotated in opposite directionsto carry out the seaming operations.

The operation of the seaming mechanism and the method of the invention as carried out with the typical form of mechanism described above, is as follows:

The seam ring l 5 is first assembled on the container end to have its flange I9 overlie and seat on the flange l3. The assembly of the end II and the ring 15 is then arranged on the under side of the head It. The vacuum or reduced pressure in the opening 33 and the recess 33 causes the atmospheric pressure to hold the end I! upwardly against the lower end of the head I8. Thus the assembly of the container end H and the seam ring l5 is properly temporarily held in position on the head l8. The engagement of the ring IS with the periphery of the head flange 32 centralizes the assembly of the end H and the ring |5 on the head. The overhanging edge portion of the die l9 engages the ring I5 to definitely position it and to prevent the ring from tilting or shifting upwardly. In the event that the container end I! is to be immediately and finally secured to the container body ID the body ii! may be arranged on the table 24 and the table raised or the head i8 lowered to bring the end ll and the body to in the proper relation. If desired, however, the flanges l3 and Hi of the end I! and the seam ring i5 may be given their initial roll or curl before arranging the assembly of the ring and end on the container body. When the container body I0 is properly related to the end I! on the head It the upper end of the body ||l engages the under side of the flange l3. This relationship is clearly illustrated in Fig. 7 of the drawings. The work 'or container is then positioned for the flrst seaming operation.

To perform the first or initial phase of the seaming operation the operating part 43 is moved 'to swing the dies 20 into engagement with the flanges I3 and I6. As described above, there is relative rotation between the head I8 and the dies 20 and 2| and the engagement of the dies 20. with the flanges I 3 and I6 during this relative rotation curls or rolls the flanges giving them 'their initial seamed configuration. It will be apparent how the flanges I3 and I 6 receive in the grooves 31 are curled downwardly and inwardly and how the ring flange I6 is rolled to have a part X engage under the surface of the flange I3 as illustrated in Fig. 10. Following this first rolling or'seaming operation the dies 20 are returned to their normal or inoperative positions by proper movement of the operating part 43. To perform the final seaming operation the operating part 5I is swung or moved to shift the dies 2| inwardly into contact withthe partially rolled ring flange I6. As the dies 2| move inwardly the cooperation of the lever 49 with the cam 51 moves the die Ifiupwardly away from the head flange 32. The cooperation of the grooves 4'6 with the partially rolled ring flange I6 curls or rolls the flanges I3 and I Sinwardly so that they tightly I0 and its end I I is then removed from the head I8 conditioning the mechanism for another operation.

From the above it will be seen that the method provided by the present invention comprises,

generally, the assembling of a container end II V 'the specific details herein set forth, but wish to and a seam ring IS, the arrangementof the assembly of the end II and the ring I5 on an anvil part I8, the definite positioning of the ring I5 by engaging it with an overhanging shoulder I9 '011 the anvil part I8, the temporary retention of the assembly of the end I I and the ring I5 on the anvil part I8 by subjecting it to the action of a reduced pressure, the initial curling or rolling of the seam or flange parts I3 and I6 of the end and ring assembly while the assembly is thus retained on the anvil part I8, the withdrawal or removal of the positioning shoulder I9 from the ring I5 and the final rolling and clamping of the seam parts I3 and I6 onto the container body I0 by exerting an inward pressure against them while supported on the anvil part I8.

Having described only a typical preferred mannerof carrying out the method of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims:

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. The method of forming a seam between a tubular body and an assembly of an end having an axial peripheral flange and a radial flange on the axial flange and a seam ring within. the axial flange of the end, the ring having a radial flange overlying the radial flange of the end, said method including, arranging the assembly of the end and ring on the end of the body to project into the body and overlie the end of the body, placing the face of the end and the interior of the ring against an abutment and applying axial pressure to the body to hold the end against the abutment, applying a temporary abutment to the radial flange of the ring to resist said pressure, 'simul-' i 'taneously partially curling the radial flanges sure engagement with the outer wall of the body,"

removing the temporary abutment and then completing the seaming of the radial flanges to the body by simultaneously confining the end and ring axially on the body and forcing the wrapped edge portions of the ring and end radial flanges radially inward into tight sealing engagement with the outer surface of the body.

2. The method of forming a seam between a tubular body and an assembly of an end having an axial peripheral flange and a radial flange on the axial flange and a seam ring within the axial flange of the end, the ring having a radial flange overlying the radial flange of the end, said method including, arranging the assembly of the end and ring on the end of the body to project into the body and overlie the end of the body, holding the face of the end and the inner surface of the ring against an abutment, arranging a temporary abutment against the radial flange of the ring to maintain the ring in a given position with respect to the end, simultaneously partially curling the radial flanges of the end and ring to wrap the edge portion of the ring flange around the edge portion of the radial end flange and leave the same in pressure engagement with theouter'wali of the body, removing the temporary abutment, and then completing the curling of the radial flanges by simultaneously confining the end and ring axially on the body and forcing the wrapped edge portions of the ring and end radial flanges radially inward into tight sealing engagement with the outer surface of the body.

3. The method of forming a seam between a tubular body and an assembly of an end having an axial flange and a seam ring within the axial flange of the end, the ring having a radial flange overlying the radial flange of the end, said method including, arranging the assembly of the end and ring on the end of the body to project into the body and overlie the end of the body, holding the face of the end and the inner surface of the ring against an abutment, arranging a temporary abutment against the radial flange of the ring to maintain the ring in a given position with respect to the end, simultaneously partially curling the radial flanges of the end and ring to wrap the edge portion of the ring flange around the edge portion of the radial end flange and leave the same in pressure engagement with the outer wall of the body, removing the temporary abutment,

and then curling the radial flanges to bring the, radial ring flange into deforming gripping and sealingengagement with the outer surface of the body by simultaneously confining the end ring axially on the body and forcing the wrapped together edge portions of the ring and end radial flangesinwardly while the end and ring are so confined.

MAXIMILIAN PAUL LINK. 

